The 2025 high school football season in Missouri kicks off with an intriguing non-conference matchup as Waynesville High School (Waynesville, MO) travels to take on Carthage High School (Carthage, MO). Scheduled for Friday, August 29, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., the game will be held at Carthage’s home field, providing a backdrop for a competitive season opener.
Matchup: Waynesville vs Carthage
Date: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch here
This clash offers both programs an opportunity to set the tone for the season. Fans can anticipate a contest that showcases preparation, team depth, and on-field execution, with each school eager to secure an early victory.
Non-conference matchups like this one are crucial for assessing team performance against unfamiliar opponents. They also provide a testing ground for new strategies, player lineups, and playmakers under real-game conditions.
Rankings & Records
Both Waynesville and Carthage enter the season with clean slates, each at 0-0 overall. While records may be blank, the matchup carries significant weight in establishing confidence and early-season momentum.
Waynesville High School (25-26)
- National Rank: 7,391
- Missouri Rank: 146
- Class Rank: 37
- Overall Record: 0-0
- Points For (PF): 0 | Points Against (PA): 0
Carthage High School (25-26)
- National Rank: 1,535
- Missouri Rank: 24
- Class Rank: 8
- Overall Record: 0-0
- Points For (PF): 0 | Points Against (PA): 0
Carthage enters the matchup with a notable state and class ranking, reflecting a historically strong program. Waynesville, while ranked lower, has the opportunity to challenge a higher-tier team, making the game an intriguing contest for fans and analysts alike.
Team Profiles
Waynesville High School
Waynesville comes into this season opener with a fresh team, eager to make an impact despite a lower ranking compared to Carthage. The Tigers will look to execute disciplined plays and test Carthage’s defensive schemes. Playing on the road presents challenges, but also the chance to earn a morale-boosting victory.
Carthage High School
Carthage is widely recognized as one of Missouri’s stronger programs, ranked 24th in the state and 8th in Class 8. Hosting Waynesville offers a home-field advantage, providing the team with familiar surroundings and strong community support. Coaches will likely emphasize execution, discipline, and limiting turnovers against an opportunistic opponent.
Key Storylines
- Road vs. Home Advantage: Waynesville will face the challenge of traveling to Carthage, while the home team enjoys the benefits of crowd energy and field familiarity.
- Non-Conference Implications: Early-season games offer insight into team readiness and highlight areas needing improvement before league play begins.
- Player Opportunities: Both teams will rely on new and returning players to establish themselves as early-season contributors. Standout performances could shape the trajectory of the season.
- Momentum Builders: An opening win provides an invaluable boost, particularly for teams looking to gain confidence and build chemistry.
Schedule Context
Both teams have schedules filled with competitive matchups following this opener, giving this first game even more significance.
Waynesville Upcoming Games:
- 9/5/25 vs. Republic
- 9/12/25 vs. Willard
- 9/19/25 vs. Neosho
- 9/26/25 vs. Ozark
- 10/3/25 vs. Glendale
- 10/10/25 vs. Nixa
Carthage Upcoming Games:
- 9/5/25 vs. Ozark
- 9/12/25 vs. Glendale
- 9/19/25 vs. Nixa
- 9/26/25 vs. Willard
- 10/10/25 vs. Republic
- 10/24/25 vs. Neosho
The season-long schedule demonstrates the importance of starting strong, especially for teams competing in competitive Class 8 and Class 37 divisions.
Importance of the Game
For Waynesville, the road game at Carthage represents a chance to challenge a higher-ranked opponent, providing insight into strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. A strong performance could set a positive tone for subsequent matchups against Republic, Willard, and other conference rivals.
For Carthage, an opening win against Waynesville is critical to assert dominance early in the season. Maintaining focus, avoiding injuries, and executing the game plan will be key for the home team to start the season with momentum.
Fans and Coverage
Spectators can expect a competitive and entertaining matchup, full of athleticism, strategy, and team spirit. For fans unable to attend, live updates and in-depth coverage are available through the Massachusetts High School Football section. School-specific schedules and updates can also be found at Find Your School.
Conclusion
The Waynesville vs Carthage matchup kicks off what promises to be an exciting 2025 high school football season in Missouri. Both teams enter with clean records, eager to showcase their preparation and talent.
Friday’s contest at 7:00 p.m. on August 29, 2025, is more than just a season opener—it’s an opportunity for both programs to set the tone for the months ahead. Fans can anticipate a night of intense action, community pride, and the passion that high school football consistently delivers.
With both teams boasting dedicated players and supportive communities, the stage is set for a competitive clash that could have lasting implications for the season.
